AcclaimML

Most definitely. We expect burnt valve on the three bad cylinders. But hoping for a clear answer to the aluminum in the oil filter. And I plan on keeping her cool. Course being involved in the tear down along the mechanics is very instructional. As she comes apart there's a story to each piece and why it looks the way it does. Anything I can do to be a better pilot and to make my bird last as long as possible.

Got some new pics of the first cylinder and piston. The higher res are in my gallery. Not really much to report just yet as # 1 had compression at 72/80. When we pull #3 is likely when the story will unfold. I was quite impressed at the sheer size of the pistons and the relative thinness of the cylinders. Course I'm comparing to automotive and motorcycle V-twins I've worked on.

Well the breather tube is good.

Thanks Hank. But I knew what I was getting into when I bought her. It's all good. GEAUX TIGERS!

Thanks for the pirep. Will check it out. I suspect I'll have my answers soon. Being I just bought the plane, I don't know how it was run or how often. I suspect it sat quite a bit. 200 hours in 5 years ain't much. Heck I put 40 hours on her just in the last 6 weeks. Certainly EGT's and TIT's allowed to go too high but still in the "green" are likely to blame. Running LOP at too high of power settings or at too high an altitude or what not. I don't want to start a ROP or LOP debate, but getting above 1500 degrees on exhaust gasses and inlet temps I think is a contributor. We have a 550 in a turbo Saratoga, and those are our red lines. She's at 1300hours and compressions remain great. She has only one turbo and no inter cooler.

Yes I've seen those numbers. But this engine only has 250 hours on it. Only a an 1/8 of the TBO. We know we had some exhaust valve cupping and scorching on the bore scope. But we only saw that on # 3 and # 5 cylinders. But # 4 looked pretty good but the compression was in the 40's. we won't know for sure until the jugs come off fully. The cam should be fine as the rocker arms are smooth as silk. Will get a good look at it tomorrow when the cylinders get pulled. All the metal shavings were aluminum in the filter. We shall see... I've ordered brand new valves cylinders and pistons from continental. Might as well make her good as new. The rest of the bird is practically new.

Uh no. The orange color will eventually have to go. I'm more of a purple and gold guy myself. Though I may just replacing the orange with Mooney red. But first things first....

Bret, if you plan on frequent- business or personal trips, do whatever you can to avoid "sharing" a plane. You can jump in YOUR plane anytime YOU want and you won't have to argue with yourself about any upgrades or maintenance issues. I've done both and I'll never share a plane again. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are shared ownership groups that are like minded and have the exact same philosophy on operation care and maintenance of your bird. I just haven't met one of those groups yet. IMHO, planes are time machines and are the epitome of freedom. Like getting off work just a bit early and grabbing the wife ( carefully of course) and zooming down to Nawlins in just over an hour for dinner- just cause you can. - and a Mooney is probably your best ticket for that. Speed , cost of initial buy and operation, with useful loads more than adequate for your mission, any Mooney is going to be hard to beat.

By the way. Both AP's are raving about the build quality, craftmanship, and engineering on 730ML. Makes an owner feel pretty good. Especially a newbie to Mooneys like myself. ...so it makes the newfound obsession okay right? ( somebody say its okay- somebody say its okay )

The jugs, pistons, valves et al. from continental finally are in and the tear down commences slowly. The pre-buy showed compressions in the 30s on 3,4,and #5 cylinders. A few pics along the process and info for those Acclaim owners.

Quote: Piloto One option to consider for the Acclaim is the installation of long range tanks (130 gals total). This would give you the option of accomplishing high speed long distance flights in less time (door to door) than the airlines. Like from New York to Key West non-stop. With the airlines you would need to connect in Miami with another flight. Congratulations, you got the best of the best. José

Quote: colojo None yet. Arapahoe Aero has been cleaning the carbon buildup out of the breather tube with every oil change. My engine has 330 hours and runs like a top.

Great site Craig! I just donated. Keep up the great work.

Thanks Jim. I guess that explains the pretty bad flat spot on the left main tire... I don't want to throw any stones. And I'm not suggesting that the way the engine was operated as there are more than a few that get top ends prematurely. But we had compressions down into the 30's on three cylinders. We bore scoped those and there was some scarring in the walls as well as scorching and cupping in those exhaust valves. (though all the metal in the filter was non-magnetic). My AP demonstrated the issue with the valve by the puffs of air coming through the breather tube. I'm certainly interested to see what we find after tear down. As for sitting, I have no direct knowledge of times I between use. But I am leaning toward what the AP is thinking. Course you'd never know by how she runs- flawlessly! Though she does struggle a bit at idle after start up. Maybe due to the lower compression- or possibly just me.

That's what I have ordered for the top end. Just curious.